Despite all the modern health and safety guidelines that must follow the establishment of a gas / fuel station in Ghana.
Ghanaians live in a bizarre situation where gas / fuel stations are built around residential areas posing huge danger to people’s life.
A growing trend which is causing our dear nation in terms of human security, loss of lives, loss of properties, etc.
Another gas / fuel station is on the verge of setting up even when its location will pose as a threat to the people of the Volta region, specifically ‘’Y ‘’ junction in sogakope in the South Tongu District in a road reservation on the main Sogakope- Dabala road,on the Accra-Aflao main high way.
Apart from the possibilities of a future explosion which could claim several lives as witnessed in the Dansoman and Circle explosion. One wonders why authorities seat unconcerned and watch such a seed of destruction for the future been sown today?
With the believe that the acclaimed owners (Star Oil) has an order from above. Really! Pushing for a permit in the District knowing very well that it’s a danger to subject poor citizens to a future explosion. Just as Dansoman (sharp curve), circle twin disaster, melcom disaster, et al as glaring examples.
State institutions / agencies tasked to oversee proper licensing have woefully failed in its duty to ensure the safety of residents because it is supposed to conduct proper checks and ensuring no residential property is built close to a fuel or gas station or vice versa.
Suffice it to say, Volta region and the people of sogakope are bound for danger, need I say, fuel / gas station if not properly located can still pose significant hazards to neighbors, especially children. Some of the perils include ground-level ozone caused in part by gasoline fumes, groundwater hazards from petroleum products leaking into the ground, and exposure hazards from other chemicals that might be used at the station if it’s also a repair shop.
Additionally, Ozone pollution is caused by a mixture of volatile organic compounds, some of which are found in gasoline vapors, and others, like carbon monoxide, that come from car exhaust. Most gas pumps today must have government-regulated vapor-recovery boots on their nozzles, which limit the release of gas vapors while you’re refueling your car. A similar system is used by the station when a tanker arrives to refill the underground tanks. But if those boots aren’t working properly, the nearly odorless hydrocarbon fumes, which contain harmful chemicals like benzene, can be released into the air.
Higher ozone levels can lead to respiratory problems and asthma, while benzene is a known cancer-causing chemical.
Some airborne organic compounds -- such as benzene, which increases the risk of cancer -- have been recorded at petrol stations at levels above the average levels for urban areas where traffic is the primary source of emission.
In sogakope, the gas \ fuel station is sited right within the neighborhood and remains a disaster in waiting.
While mourning the death of all deceased persons as a result of gas, flood or fire disaster, I am convinced it is time for the pending station in sogakope to be brought down to save lives.
I therefore call on the appropriate authorities and all well meaning Ghanaians to help stop this from happening in Volta region.
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